After capturing a second consecutive World Series crown last fall, the Dodgers were quickly installed as the favorites to win baseball's highest prize yet again in 2026. And honestly, why wouldn't they be? They have the biggest payroll, the most talent and a proven track record as they go about the business of trying to reach a plateau unexplored since the Yankees authored a three-peat from 1998-2000. Oddsmakers also forecasted them to win somewhere around 102-104 games depending on which crystal ball was responsibly consulted. If you're not a math major that means the baseline was to absolutely rip though the competition without accumulating 60 losses. Which is really hard! Even if Los Angeles has done it four times during its current dynastic run (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022). A quarter of the way through this season, the Dodgers are nowhere near that pace. They aren't even in first place in the National League West (though a 1/2-game hole is more of a technicality).…